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Precalculus Algebra

I. MTH 112 Precalculus Algebra - 3 Semester Hours
Core Area III, TMTH

II. Course Description

This course emphasizes the algebra of functions – including polynomial, rational,
exponential, and logarithmic functions. The course also covers systems of equations and
inequalities, quadratic inequalities, and the binomial theorem. Additional topics may
include matrices, Cramer’ s Rule , and mathematical induction .

III. Prerequisite

A minimum prerequisite of high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with an
appropriate mathematics placement score. An alternative to this is that the student should
successfully pass with a C or higher in Intermediate College Algebra.

IV. Textbook

Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, Stewart, Redlin, Watson 5^th Ed.
Thomson/Brooks/Cole, 2006.

V. Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of concepts, develop
competent skills, and demonstrate applications in the following areas:

1. analytic and geometric interpretation of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic
functions
2. analytic and geometric interpretation of systems of equations and inequalities
While building on the manipulative skills from algebra this course strives to
develop analytic skills as a preparation for further mathematical applications or
courses in mathematics requiring knowledge of algebraic and transcendental
functions.

VI. Course Outline of Topics

A. This course shall include the following topics as a minimum.

1. Cartesion plane
2 Graphs of equations
3. Lines in the plane
4. Functions
5. Graphs of functions
6. Combinations of functions
7. Inverse functions
8. Variation
9. Quadratic functions
10. Higher degree functions
11. Real zeros
12. Complex numbers
13. Fundamental Theorem of algebra
14. Rational functions
15. Partial fractions
16. Exponential functions
17. Logarithmic functions
18. Properties of logarithms
19. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
20. Applications
21. Systems of equations
22. Systems in two variables
23. Systems of more than two variables
24. Systems of inequalities
25. Linear programming
26. Quadratic inequalities
27. Binomial Theorem

B. Optional topics may include the following

1. Matrices and systems of equations
2. Operations with matrices
3. Inverse matrices
4. Determinant of a matrix
5. Properties of determinants
6. Applications
7. Sequences, summation notation
8. Arithmetic sequence
9. Geometric sequence
10. Mathematical induction

VII. Evaluation and Assessment

A. College requirements:
Examinations should be given by instructors periodically throughout their courses.
Faculty are encouraged to give evaluative work early in the term so that students will
have a clear understanding of the progress they are making. Final examinations will be
given in all classes, and all students enrolled for academic credit will take the final
examination. (College Handbook, section 3.7)

B. Grading system as stated in the college catalog:

*A - Excellent (90-100%)
*B - Good (80-89%)
*C - Average (70-79%)
D – Poor (60-69%)
F – Failure (below 60%)
W - Withdrawal (before midterm)
WP - Withdrawal passing (after midterm)
WF - Withdrawal failure (after midterm)
I - Incomplete
AU - Audit
RW - Required withdrawal
*Satisfactory grades

C. Evaluation and assessment techniques may include any or all of the following:

1. Recitation
2. Daily assignments
3. Written assignments
4. Computer assignments
5. Projects
6. Participation
7. Exams

To receive a grade of “C” or higher, the student must obtain an average of at least
70% on written test(s) and other evaluation criteria as determined by the instructor.

** Note: A grade of "C" or higher is required in this course for a student to be
eligible for MTH 113 or MTH 120.

VIII. Class Activities

A. Lecture.
B. Recitation.
C. Discussion.
D. Individual instruction.
E. Testing.

IX. GENERAL COURSE COMPETENCIES

A. The student will acquire knowledge of mathematical terminology.
B. The student will acquire knowledge of inequalities.
C. The student will acquire knowledge of functions and their graphs.
D. The student will be able to use concepts of precalculus algebra in problem
solving.

X. COURSE OBJECTIVES STATED IN PERFORMANCE TERMS

A. The student will demonstrate knowledge of mathematical terminology as
measured by his/her ability to recall the meaning of the following in order to
work problems requiring knowledge of these terms:
1. transformations
2. point-slope form
3. domain
4. range
5. function
6. vertex
7. composite function
8. one-to-one function
9. inverse function
10. polynomial function
11. exponential function
12. logarithmic function
13. base e
14. rational function
15. local extrema
16. roots (zeros)
17. synthetic division
18. asymptotes
19. binomial theorem
20. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
21. factor Theorem
22. remainder Theorem
23. complex number

B. The student will demonstrate knowledge of inequalities by his/her
ability to

1. express given inequalities in interval notation.
2. solve polynomial and rational inequalities.
3. solve inequalities involving absolute value .
4. solve systems of inequalities.

C. The student will demonstrate knowledge of functions and their graphs by
his/her ability to

1. find the domain and range of a function.
2. find the composition of functions.
3. find the inverse of a given function.
4. solve equations involving different kinds of functions, including
the following:
a. linear
b. quadratic
c. polynomial
d. rational
e. exponential
g. absolute value
f. logarithmic
5. write the equation of a linear function in point/slope form.
6. use synthetic division to
a. evaluate polynomials.
b. factor polynomials.
c. find real and complex zeros of a polynomial function.
7. draw graphs of different kinds of functions including the
following:
a. linear 
b. quadratic 
c. polynomial
d. rational
e. exponential
f. logarithmic
g. absolute value
h. piecewise
i. radical
8. graph functions using transformations.
9. draw the inverse graph of a function given the graph of the
function.
10.use properties of logarithms/exponents to solve given problems.

D. The student will demonstrate his/her ability to use the following concepts of

precalculus algebra to solve applied problems:
1. quadratic functions.
2. exponential functions.
3. logarithmic functions.
4. other function types studied.
5. nonlinear systems of equations.

XI. Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are
unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should
withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to
achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility
for federal financial aid.

XII. Statement on Discrimination/Harassment

The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both
employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to
an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such
harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior
that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

XIII. Americans with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and
academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College. The ADA
Accommodations office is located in FSC 300 (205-856-7731).

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